Ludwig Wittgenstein was arguably the most important philosopher of the twentieth century. Although his writings have influenced a range of philosophical and cultural movements, his impact was not felt strongly in political theory. Indeed, the most comprehensive study of Wittgenstein in this area was published over thirty five years ago. Wittgenstein and Political Theory reconnects Wittgenstein with the problems and trends of contemporary political theory.

Christopher C. Robinson’s central argument is that Wittgenstein offers scholars an array of useful conceptual and critical tools, particularly his remarks on perception, which are brought to bear on theory’s historical and etymological efforts at clear seeing. This work enables the theorist to freely explore the city of language and approach political concepts such as liberty, dignity, dissent, and ideology with a fresh eye. Designed to be read by graduate students and advanced undergraduates who are interested in both Wittgenstein’s philosophy and strategies for achieving political vision in an age of bureaucracy.